virtuAMP - Free Software

[Nem]

For one of my school projects (I'm a computer science major) I decided to write a virtual guitar amplifier to serve as a practice amp and free recording solution for myself. It turned out pretty reasonable, so I've decided to open source it and release it for free for everyone:

Website:

http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=51

About:

virtuAMP is an open source real time virtual guitar amplifier for your home computer. virtuAMP provides an intuitive interface for customizing your sound through a virtual pedalboard, which behaves as your existing guitar rig does, allowing you to place effect pedals, connect them using cables and control their sound using their controls. Your guitar connects directly to virtuAMP through your sound card's line in, making virtuAMP a good substitute for a practice amplifier.

Screenshot:

http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/images/images/vasmall1.png

Big: http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/images/images/vabig1.png

Audio Samples:

Each of these audio samples were captured by virtuAMP from my guitar (a Fender Stratocaster) connected directly to my sound card. No post processing was added, only Audacity was used to convert the .wav file to .mp3.


v1.2.0

Loop Station (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/loopstation.mp3)
Ring Modulator/Reverse Delay (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/ringmodulator.mp3)
Vibrato (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/vibrato.mp3)
Envelope Filter (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/envelopefilter.mp3)
Chorus (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/chorus.mp3)
Reverb (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/reverb.mp3)
Voice (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/voice.mp3)

v1.0.0

Delay (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/delay.mp3)
Delay 2 (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/delay2.mp3)
Soft Distortion (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/softdistortion.mp3)
Overdrive (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/overdrive.mp3)
Fuzz (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/fuzz.mp3)
Phase Shifter/Heavy Distortion (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/phaseshifter.mp3)



Features:


Real-time 32 bit audio processing.
Intuitive virtual pedalboard interface.
Simulate several effect pedals, including:

Automatic Wah
Boost
Chorus
Compressor
Delay
Distortion
Envelope Filter
Equalizer
Fader
Feedback Loop
Flanger
FFT Specturm
Fuzz
Loop Station
Metronome
Noise Gate
Octave
Oscilloscope
Overdrive
Parallel Feedback Loop
Phase Shifter
Player
Recorder
Reverb
Ring Modulator
Tremolo
Vibrato

Record and playback riffs for real-time mixing.
Toggle effects using your keyboard as a foot pedal.
No extra hardware needed; connects directly to your sound card.
Free software.


Important Notes:


To use this program, you will need some way to connect your guitar to your computer. I recommend buying a 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter such as this one (http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Audio+Plugs+%26+Jacks+Adapters&product=2740885) (6$) or using a microphone/headphone combination.
If you experience any problems with the software, please first check the ReadMe.txt file.
This software comes with absolutely no warranty; connecting your guitar directly to your sound card may damage some old/cheap sound cards.
I plan to add more effect pedals in the future.


System Requirements:

2.0 Ghz Pentium 4 Class CPU or equivalent
256 MB RAM
3D Video Adaptor
Audio Adaptor


System Recommendations:

3.0 Ghz Pentium 4 Class CPU or equivalent.
512 MB RAM
3D Video Adaptor with latest drivers (GeForce, ATI, Matrox etc.)
High Quality Audio Adaptor


Download:

http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=52

[Muphin]

Looks pretty cool.

You should release a linux build, compatible with JACK (Jack Audio Connection Kit). I mean, open-source windows software? No thanks.

Good job though, I'd love to try it out, but... y'know, I don't support microsoft :p:

[System4321]

Can I use my Toneport UX2? I'll have a look see if its any good if it does :)

[Nem]

You should release a linux build, compatible with JACK (Jack Audio Connection Kit). I mean, open-source windows software? No thanks.
A Linux port would take a bit of work. The audio is done through an abstract interface (so that would port over easy), and most of the graphics are OpenGL, but the windowing API in Windows would require a fair bit of work to port over. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't run under Wine (http://www.winehq.org/).

Perhaps in the future, but right now I'd like to get Fast Fourier implemented so I can do frequency domain effects easier (Wah/Octave/etc.).

Can I use my Toneport UX2? I'll have a look see if its any good if it does :)
Can't say for sure, but I suspect not. virtuAMP is designed to be a standalone application for those of use without other solutions.

[xhandgunxheart]

Can I use my Toneport UX2? I'll have a look see if its any good if it does :)

you can, but you have to have gearbox open

[Nem]

I've released v1.1.0 of virtuAMP (same link as above), which mostly focuses on better audio quality and Vista support. The complete change log is as follows:

Added Feedback Loop effect.
Added Flanger effect.
Added audio options to main menu.
Added full duplex DirectSound driver.
Improved Windows Multimedia driver.
Fixed Windows Vista audio.
Fixed Windows Vista graphics.

Enjoy!

[g1asseye]

Downloading it now. If its good, you are my saviour.

edit- bit of a bug, if i maximise it it freezes,,, :confused:

[shreddyboy]

this is cool of you to share this

[D_Vincent]

I have to buy one of those adaptors to try this out...I checked online and it looks like they have a few of these adaptors in stock at the source near me...only 3 left though...might pick one up tonight.

I downloaded the program for now...have to test it out later... :cool:

I like the look of the VirtuAMP program with the pedals

[CanCan]

Sweet! I'm gonna try it.

[theWallofYAWN]

thanks for sharing.

could please post a tab of what you were playing in the overdrive clip. it sounded nice and id like to replicate.

[weirdjohn87]

I'm always interested in these sorts of things. I'm looking forward to it.

[Nem]

edit- bit of a bug, if i maximise it it freezes,,, :confused:Can't seem to duplicate this problem. Can you give me more specific steps and let me know what Operating System you are using? There also may be useful information in the log.txt file virtuAMP generates (in the folder you installed it to).

thanks for sharing.

could please post a tab of what you were playing in the overdrive clip. it sounded nice and id like to replicate.One of my favorite songs: Kiss Me Deadly by Generation X. Tab's on UG.

[man_po_po]

i find it really hard to turn the knobs can someone help?

[Nem]

i find it really hard to turn the knobs can someone help?Just move your mouse left and right, not up and down.

[weirdjohn87]

I'm trying to use my Firepod as an input/output device, but it doesn't seem to be supported?

My onboard soundcard is no good, the latency is on the order of about 10 milliseconds.
I wouldn't use my onboard soundcard anyway.

I like the look and functionality, though :)

[Spitz13]

i might buy a jack tonight but what should i tell the salesman at the store?
im looking for something to plug my guitar into my pc?
or does it have a more specific name?

edit: btw before i go out and buy the jack, is this sound card good enought to stand the guitar?
Conexant Cx20549 @ nVIDIA nForce 430 (MCP51) - High Definition Audio Controller


thanks man :peace:

[Nem]

I'm trying to use my Firepod as an input/output device, but it doesn't seem to be supported?

My onboard soundcard is no good, the latency is on the order of about 10 milliseconds.
I wouldn't use my onboard soundcard anyway.

I like the look and functionality, though :)The fastest setting in virtuAMP has a latency of about 33ms. There is no particular reason for this limit (none of the cheap sound cards I have can best it) but I'll increase it in the next release. virtuAMP uses the default input device to record, I'll also look at adding an interface to select the input device in the case of additional devices.
i might buy a jack tonight but what should i tell the salesman at the store?
im looking for something to plug my guitar into my pc?
or does it have a more specific name?

edit: btw before i go out and buy the jack, is this sound card good enought to stand the guitar?
Conexant Cx20549 @ nVIDIA nForce 430 (MCP51) - High Definition Audio Controller


thanks man :peace:Tell him you want a 1/4" to 1/8" mono adapter, like the one linked to in my first post (there's a picture so you know what you're looking for). I can't comment on how well a certain sound card will work, but I've tried it on several cheap on-board sound cards at home and they all seem fine.

[Nem]

I've released v1.2.0 of virtuAMP (same link as above), which mostly focuses on new and improved effect pedals. The complete change log is as follows:

Added Automatic Wah effect.
Added Boost effect.
Added Chorus effect.
Added Envelope Filter effect.
Added FFT Spectrum.
Added Fader effect.
Added Loop Station effect.
Added Octave effect.
Added Parallel Feedback Loop effect.
Added Ring Modulator effect.
Added Vibrato effect.
Added Reverse and Long option to Delay.
Added Additive mode to Feedback Loop.
Added Center DC option to Preamp.
Rewrote Equalizer effect.
Rewrote Flanger effect.
Rewrote Reverb effect.

Enjoy!

[Lucky#Slevin]

This looks cool, downloading. One question, will it work with a stealthplug?

Edit:Meh. Guess not. Looks cool though.

[Death-Speak]

Holy Crap....

I totally missed this thread before.

Much respect from a fellow programmer. This looks awesome.

/friend request sent

EDIT: I just noticed your the guy who wrote the terrain generator I used to use back when I was map macking. Small world...

[Lord-O-Donuts]

Threadstarter...

I love you.

[Wicked_Bassist7]

it was really cool, except it took me a while to understand the cables!

[DMBftw]

omg this is soooo sick man considering im looking into buying some effects pedals but i wasnt sure exactly what i wanted (or how to even use em lol) even tho im just using a crappy mic to record to my comp with it still sounds fine for my purposes lol so thx man

[Ziggums]

So I plug my guitar into the Mic input?

[Lord-O-Donuts]

So I plug my guitar into the Mic input?

Actually, the line in input ...

[cndz]

Damn, this looks awesome. I'll try it out later today :) Good job.

[Nem]

So I plug my guitar into the Mic input?
You plug it into whichever device you have selected as your default input device. To determine (or set) which device this is:

Open up the Windows Volume Control (Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Volume Control).
In the Options menu, select Properties.
Select the Recording radio button, then press OK.
Adjust the Volume of the recording device you wish to use and check its corresponding Select check box.

[werty22]

This looks awesome. Thanks.

Edit: There's a very noticeable lag between when I play a note and when I hear it. Is there a way to fix this? I'm using my mic jack, if that matters.

[sam i am]

Judging by the sounclips - the modulation effects were nice but I think the dist/OD type things left a lot to be desired. Not that I'm in much of a position to complain, I just thought that you might appreciate some contructive criticism.

Thanks for sharing this wih us :)

[FLNagle]

sweet!

after extensive meddling, i came up with this:

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9490/voodoochildrz9.png

Voodoo Child (with a Les Paul)

one comment: all of the distortions sound really dark, but that could just be my guitar. overall, its pretty great. i got minimal delay after messing with a lot of settings.

[Nem]

This looks awesome. Thanks.

Edit: There's a very noticeable lag between when I play a note and when I hear it. Is there a way to fix this? I'm using my mic jack, if that matters.
The lag you hear can be caused by one or more of the following:

There is a necessary delay caused by the process of recording a small amount of audio data, processing it, then playing it back. If the audio buffers are too small, then anytime your computer is momentarily busy doing something else, it may not have sufficient time to process the buffer before those buffers cued for playback are used up. This produces an audible pop. This problem is magnified by the fact that virtuAMP uses your sound card for both recording and playing (most sound cards can only do one thing at a time).
Certain effects require future audio information. Since it is impossible to get audio information that hasn't yet been recorded by the sound card (or indeed played), these effects impose a delay. The filter effects, for example, all make use of Fourier transforms, which trade off filter accuracy for lag. If you have multiple filter effects in parallel (e.g. an EQ followed by a envelope filter) the delay is magnified. Other effects such as chorus, flanger and vibrato are achieved by modulating a delayed signal with the dry signal, however, this delay should be inaudible.

While cause #2 cannot be helped, cause #1 can be mitigated by decreasing the size of your audio buffers. To do this, select a larger Buffer Denominator from the Audio menu in virtuAMP. If poping results, you will have to select a smaller Buffer Denominator. What settings you are able to achieve very quite a bit depending on your computer's speed and the audio card you have.

You may also try changing your Audio Driver from the Audio menu. Certain drivers perform better on certain operating systems and computers.


For those commenting on the distortion in virtuAMP, distortion, along with amp simulation, are two areas that virtuAMP desperately needs work on. I've found a few papers on simulating 12ax7 tubes which I'll hopefully be able to use to produce a warmer amp and overdrive tone, but I'm really lacking sufficient information on how distortion is achieved to write something better. My hope is to improve those two areas for the next release.

Lastly, I've added a envelope filter (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/envelopefilter.mp3) sample.

Ryan

[Telecaster7]

so would you just use a microphone to get the sound then plug that into the line in bit, or do i have to get a jack thingy?

oh and software great! Thanks!

[werty22]

Thanks. The delay is just a subtle slapback now. This is cool. You can probably make a lot of money with software like this someday.

[fender4482]

i dont get it. what does it do?how do i make effects from my computer to my guitar?

[Nem]

so would you just use a microphone to get the sound then plug that into the line in bit, or do i have to get a jack thingy?

oh and software great! Thanks!A microphone is fine, but the quality of the recording will depend a lot on the microphone and your recording environment. I also recommend using headphones in this situation to prevent feedback.

i dont get it. what does it do?how do i make effects from my computer to my guitar?The program allows you to play your guitar through your computer's speakers in real time whilst applying various types of effects.

It's not designed for use with your amp, though I suppose you could use an adapter to plug your computer's line out into your amp (I haven't tried this).

[Telecaster7]

thanks and one last thing will i need any special stuff to open the file?
(sorry i know nothing about computers :( )

[Nem]

thanks and one last thing will i need any special stuff to open the file?
(sorry i know nothing about computers :( )
I'm not really clear on what you're asking. You don't need any special programs to use virtuAMP. virtuAMP records to .wav format which you can play in just about anything. You can later edit these files using Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/).

[Time Seller]

Awesome, I just got it. Rivals Guitar FX Box 2.6.

[Time Seller]

BTW my sound card is..

realtek ac97 audio

So is this fast enough to use your software?

[Telecaster7]

thanks!

[rancidryan]

:'( my laptops not good enough i cry!!!!

[Telecaster7]

hey, well because of my excitement over this, you now owe me a new pair of pants, but anyway, whenever i record, it doesn't save under the name i give it , it save under the name of the one before it, and the one before that saves under the name of the one prior to that, and if its the first one, it only records for a second, then i have to save it, and the next recording saves under that name, any help ?
also when i record and playback , it kinds crackles a bit , any way to stop this?

Thanks

[Nem]

This is by design. Because uncompressed 44100 Hz recordings grow very quickly in size, virtuAMP writes the the disk as it records. You must therefore specify the file path before you can record anything. To record:

Press the save button and select a path.
Engage the pedal.
Play what you want to record.
Disengage the pedal.

To overwrite what you previously recorded repeat steps 2 to 4.

[Telecaster7]

ohhhhhhh....
thanks

[freshtunes]

It ain't bad. But there is way too much latency for it to be used for serious practicing. Nice job though, some cool features.

[Nem]

I found an old mic lying around, and I though I'd try virtuAMP out with my voice. Turned out to be a lot of fun, here's a sample:

voice.mp3 (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/voice.mp3)

[Time Seller]

I found an old mic lying around, and I though I'd try virtuAMP out with my voice. Turned out to be a lot of fun, here's a sample:

voice.mp3 (http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/files/samples/voice.mp3)
Analysis while I listen.


This is some reverb. HAHAHAHA!

Oh my gosh, it goes super reverby. Unclear, but pretty awesome.

No idea what you were saying after that. Low frequency was the only thing I heard. Oh wow, that's super high. Hahaha!

It's getting a bit out of hand with the effects overload after that point.

BTW you should have tried distortion. Lol. Nice.

[Nem]

I've released v1.2.1 of virtuAMP (same link as above). The complete change log is as follows:

Added Metronome effect.
Added Matrix option to Flanger.

[Freesmalta]

:O This is exactly what ive been searching for for like the past 3 hours...Thx m8!!Its just excellent!left my amp at our bands drummer so its quite reasonable :D

[jasonggabbott]

Man this is what I need. I only have a 500 mhz computer though. It won't work??

[jasonggabbott]

Also. I downloaded it, it seems to work but I need to use my sound driver. Creative Sound blaster. Is it possible to change drivers???

[Time Seller]

Nem, you are brilliant.

[linus.d]

do you got a VST plug-in version of this by any chance?

It'd be ACE :cheers:

[Farether]

Looks nice.

[BlackDog55]

this is the most addictive program i have ever used